Swim With The Sharks

Survivor Pool

Who can forget the Seattle Seahawks’ team that secured a playoff spot in the 2010 playoffs with a losing record? Over the last few years, there has been no shortage of wisecracks and nicknames for the NFC West including “NFC Worst.” The St Louis Rams were the last team to win a Super Bowl ring for this division, back in 2000. Like most trends in the NFL, they eventually change.

In 2012, Coach Jim Harbaugh was able to help the San Francisco 49ers win the division with an impressive 13-3 record and the top league defense in his first season. Although only five weeks of the season are behind us, the NFC West can temporarily boast that every team in the division currently has a winning record. Although, the San Francisco 49ers’ defense has allowed the least amount of points thus far, it is noteworthy that all of NFC West teams have allowed under100 points, which no other division can claim. Could we see a Super Bowl contender rising from this division? Don’t be surprised!

I highly doubt that even the best psychics could have predicted the highlights and lowlights of Week 5. On Sunday Night football, the world witnessed Drew Brees breaking Johnny Unitas’ record for most consecutive games throwing a touchdown pass. Brees was able to cap his record night off with New Orleans’ first win of the season. In addition, Week 5 included monster performances from Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, and Ahmad Bradshaw. Unfortunately, several key fantasy players were injured, including Cedric Benson, Danny Amendola, Robert Griffin III, Matt Cassel, and Ryan Williams. Take a dive with me as we prepare for Week 6.

QB Kevin Kolb- Only Brandon Weeden has failed to produce a multi-touchdown game against Buffalo’s weak pass defense, which Kolb will face this weekend. Although Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes against Buffalo in Week 4, even satisfactory QB’s including Mark Sanchez, Matt Cassel, and Alex Smith were able to expose their secondary. In week 6, Kolb will have to carry Arizona as they look to rebound from a Week 5 loss without the help of running backs Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells. Kolb has been decent lately despite suffering seventeen sacks over the last two games. If your quarterback is on a bye or is facing a difficult matchup, Kolb is worth a look.
Week 6 Forecast: 250 passing yards and 2 TDs
RB Michael Turner- You may already be starting “Turner the Burner,” but definitely keep him in your line up for Week 6 when he faces the Oakland Raiders at home. Oakland has surrendered an enormous 402 rushing yards in two road games this season, while being very strong against the run at home. Atlanta’s offense has been running on all cylinders, which could mean this game has the potential to become a blowout. Turner has averaged 4.8 yards per carry at home this year and 4.9 yards per carry last year, and should be one of the more productive backs in Week 6.

Week 6 Forecast: 125 total yards and 1 TD

WR Andrew Hawkins- If you are in a relatively deep league or have a few wideouts on bye, then look no further than “4th and Long” reality runner-up Andrew Hawkins. Hawkins has made an impression on the NFL this season and quickly built chemistry with Andy Dalton. Although he only caught five passes for 47 yards in last weekend’s loss, Hawkins was targeted 13 times. Earlier this season, he caught two passes for 56 yards including a score against the Cleveland Browns who Cincinnati battles again this weekend. Cleveland has allowed the most catches to wide receivers, and the second most points and yards. AJ Green will get “his,” but Hawkins should also have a solid outing.

Week 6 Forecast: 75 receiving yards and 1 TD

TE Heath Miller- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has vowed to help tight end Heath Miller earn a trip to the Pro Bowl this season. Although Miller has not posted any monster performances this season, he has been Big Ben’s favorite end zone target with four touchdowns. Tennessee continues to struggle guarding the tight end position as they allow the most targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns in the league. In fact, tight ends have scored in double digits in every game this season except for one against the Titans. Miller has 22 catches in five career games against the Titans and should have another good game in Week 6.
Week 6 Forecast: 60 receiving yards and 1 TD
DST Detroit Lions- Thus far, Detroit has not resembled the strong, emerging team that earned a playoff spot last season. With only nine sacks after four weeks, due to a bye last weekend, Detroit will be anxious to feed on the turnover prone Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia has allowed 14 sacks this season and allowed the most quarterback hits in the league thus far with 41. Vick alone has six interceptions and five lost fumbles, and faces a well rested and thoroughly prepared Detroit defense.
Week 6 Forecast: 12 points

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